Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD

Substance abuse can easily run rampant in a veterinary clinic environment. Make sure you-and your practice-are protected.

Power struggles, disputes and hidden agendas aren't just fodder for TV shows-they're a reality in veterinary practice, too.

Arm yourself with an ally when negotiating your employment terms.

You could land yourself in a messy situation if you don't check out all environmental factors on that perfect piece of real estate for your veterinary clinic.

Don't let careless omissions or missed rule-outs stand in the way of thorough veterinary documentation.

Veterinary employers would benefit from adopting the sunshiny practices of labor unions and government.

Use these five legal guidelines at your veterinary practice in the daily effort to prevent a lawsuit while simultaneously protecting your staff and your wallet.

At least until you've familiarized yourself with your state veterinary practice acts. You're responsible for knowing and following the laws that regulate other health professions – not just veterinary clinics.

When you feel like you're constantly trudging through your day, a change in careers might be a refreshing solution. But if you decide to get out of veterinary practice ownership and sell – be prepared.

Neither new graduates nor boarded specialists should suffer with boilerplate contract language.

When veterinarians' caseloads are reduced, noncompete agreements can impose crippling restrictions.

These three stumbling blocks must be fully understood before veterinary practice owner and associate sign on

I love to watch TV, but I'm starting to get tired of the distractions.

Keep business paperwork on a short leash, or you may find your LLC or corporation is out of your control

As I write this, litigation is taking place in Texas that brings the issue of damages from "Pain and suffering" back to the front burner of animal law.

Uncle Sam is stepping up efforts to investigate payroll-tax fraud. Don't let your veterinary practice get tangled up in a mess.

Be informed and protect your veterinary practice from a bevy of legal headaches

When it comes to medical errors, talk to your lawyer first before you apologize

Do you have what it takes to create your own successful side business?

Don't let your emotions get the best of you-whether you're a buyer or a seller

I just finished organizing all of my miscellaneous old car parts.

Contract reviews lead to better work relationships and bottom lines.

If you see them coming, be concerned - and ask them to seek veterinary care elsewhere

A lesson for new doctors-and a reminder for veterans-to avoid lawsuits and the licensing board

This business entity can protect your personal assets - and it's easy and inexpensive to organize for your veterinary practice

Walk through a TV drama plot and see how your fate mirrors doctors on the small screen.

Even when you know the law is on your side, you might be better off skipping a court date with Lady Justice

Veterinarians struggle to comply with rules no one understands.

The cost of an advanced degree is becoming nearly impossible for graduates to pay in a reasonable time.

In the world of veterinary employment agreements, the sun shines mostly on the same old points of contention.